COACHES | rutgers-crew

Dave Specca

Bartels-Nicholas Head Coach

Dave Specca is in his first season as Head Coach of Rutgers Crew, succeeding legendary Head Coach Steve Wagner, who retired after 39 years at the helm of the program.

Coach Specca’s philosophy is centered on simplicity and effectiveness: teach the fundamentals, train athletes through a structured and well-planned system, create competitive opportunities for development and learning, and ensuring that the program remains a rewarding and enjoyable experience. As an assistant coach, Specca helped put this philosophy into practice, guiding the team’s resurgence from historic lows following the pandemic to one of the largest rosters in recent program history. His leadership in developing a strong culture within each novice class contributed to multiple regular-season victories, a Dad Vail Grand Final appearance, and three consecutive ACRA Grand Final berths.

Prior to his appointment as Head Coach, Specca spent five years as an assistant coach under Steve Wagner. Before returning to the Banks, he served as the Head Coach of the Bishop Eustace Preparatory School Boys Crew in Pennsauken, New Jersey, from 2013 to 2019. Earlier in his career, he held a Graduate Assistant position with Rutgers Crew during the 2012–2013 season.

A 2012 graduate of Rutgers University, Specca rowed for Rutgers from 2008 to 2012, spending three years in the Varsity Eight. He served as team captain during the 2011–2012 season and earned both the Outstanding Novice Award and the Rutgers Rowing Trophy. During his collegiate career, he was a member of the Freshman Eight that won the Knecht Cup and contributed to numerous varsity dual-race victories.

A collegiate novice himself, Specca learned to row at Rutgers. Prior to college, he was a three-sport varsity athlete in soccer, winter track, and spring track. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Sustainability and Green Engineering, both from Rutgers.

Email: david.specca@rutgers.edu

Edward Malague

Assistant Coach

Ed Malague enters his first season with Rutgers Crew as an Assistant Coach. In this role, he is responsible for athlete development, as well as the recruitment of both high school and walk-on athletes. He also supports Head Coach Dave Specca in the daily operations and administration of the varsity program.

A proud Rutgers alumnus, Ed rowed for Rutgers from 2019 to 2023. He served as team captain during the 2022–2023 season and rowed in the stroke seat of the Varsity Eight in his junior and senior years. During his collegiate career, Ed was recognized with multiple honors, including the Outstanding Novice Award, the Rutgers Rowing Trophy, and selection to the ACRA All-America Team.

Following his graduation summa cum laude from Rutgers, Ed joined Teach For America, where he taught English in Lawrence, Massachusetts. During his time in the classroom, he earned a master’s degree in education from Boston University. Ed now returns to the Banks eager to apply his experience and passion to the continued development and success of Rutgers Crew.

Email: edward.malague@rutgers.edu

Steve Wagner

Coach Emeritus

Steve Wagner serves as Coach Emeritus for Rutgers Crew after an extraordinary 42-year coaching career at Rutgers, including 32 years as Director of Rowing and Head Coach of the Men’s Crew. Under his leadership, The Red Team achieved national prominence, producing numerous nationally ranked crews, Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship finalists, and countless memorable regular-season victories.

A 1976 graduate of the Rutgers School of Engineering, Wagner earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and later completed a master’s degree in Environmental Science in 1990. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he served as an adjunct professor in the science departments of Middlesex County College and Raritan Valley Community College, sharing his passion for learning and mentorship both on and off the water.

Wagner began his coaching career while pursuing graduate studies at the Florida Institute of Technology, where his crews achieved three consecutive undefeated seasons and captured the 1979 Dad Vail Regatta titles in both the Freshman Eight and Freshman Four events—earning recognition as small college national champions. He next joined Columbia University, where his freshmen crews revitalized the program and recorded victories over several league opponents for the first time in many years.

In the fall of 1983, Wagner returned to Rutgers to take over the Women’s Crew program. His 1984 Varsity Eight remains the most successful and highest-ranked women’s crew in program history, finishing fifth at the Eastern Association of Women’s Rowing Colleges Championships. Over the next three years, Wagner guided the Freshman Heavyweight Men’s Crew to national success, including a fourth-place finish in the Grand Final of the 1986 IRA National Championships and an undefeated regular season in 1987, capped by Grand Final appearances at both the Eastern Sprints and IRA Regattas. Wagner was named Head Coach of the Men’s Crew in 1987 following the retirement of the legendary Bill Leavitt, who had served in the role for 27 years.

Beyond coaching, Wagner was instrumental in advancing the long-term stability and success of the program. Through his vision and tireless advocacy, The Red Team secured an endowed head coach position, two endowed eights, and critical resources that strengthened the team’s foundation for future generations. His efforts and leadership have ensured that the program continues to thrive at a high level.

Wagner’s influence extends far beyond the boathouse. He is respected and admired throughout the rowing community for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his athletes. Over four decades, he has mentored and inspired generations of rowers and alumni, leaving an enduring legacy on anyone he coached and the broader Rutgers Crew family.

Although stepping down as Head Coach, Wagner remains closely involved with the program as Coach Emeritus and continues to support the team in any way he can.

Steve and his wife, Susan, reside in Piscataway, New Jersey, where they raised their five children.